DANVILLE — Charles Edward (Charlie) Richison of Lone Pine Farm in Danville died unexpectedly Friday, March 16, 2012, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock. Charlie was 83 years old, but was witty, handsome and sharp as they wheeled him out of the room.

Charlie was born on Jan. 14, 1929, in Keota, Okla. He was the middle child of the late Earnest and Ruby Richison. He was raised in Fort Smith and was a talented athlete, lettering in basketball, football, track and baseball for Fort Smith High. When he went to Arkansas Tech, he again played all four sports. It was during his years at Tech that he found the love of his life, Janette George of Danville. They married on Nov. 18, 1951. Charlie was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and progressed through five different farm leagues until injuries ended his career, but never diminished his love for the game.

Charlie taught and coached at both Fourche Valley and Danville School Districts, then was successful selling pharmaceuticals in Big Spring and Odessa, Texas. Everywhere they lived, Charlie and Jan made lifelong friends. In 1965, they moved back to Danville to run George and Richison Abstract Company. He also managed the family farm where they raised quarterhorses, cattle, chickens and three children.

Charlie was a past president of Arkansas Land Title Association, Arkansas Tech Alumni Association and a charter member of the Arkansas Tech T-Club. He was also actively involved in numerous civic groups and projects, and served on the Northeast Yell County Water Board. He was the envy of many golfers, even when he was up into his 70s.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William (Bill) Richison. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janette George Richison; three children and their spouses, Bill and Debra Richison Stuckey, Bill and Frances Richison Eubanks, and Dr. George Charles and Ruth Richison; nine grandchlldren, Anna Frances Stuckey Newby, William Compton Stuckey, Rachel Stuckey Slaton, William Thomas Eubanks, III, Helen Debra Eubanks Bartel, Janette Frances Eubanks, Sarah Frances Richison, Katherine Ruth Richison and Emily Ann Richison. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Reid Charles Richison, Addison, Emma and Avery Joy Eubanks, Wyatt Newby and Amaelia Stuckey; a sister, Sue Conner; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charlie was passionate, smart and fiercely loyal to his God, his family and his friends.

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2012, at the Danville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. today at Cornwell Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. Online guest book and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.